Hartford, Tolland and Windham Counties are under a Tornado watch until 11 p.m.

“If you go out in the storm, REDUCE speed, keep headlights and wipers on at all times!” state police warned on Twitter.

Power outages are being reported throughout our area as a result of the wild weather. Almost 2,000 are without power in Monroe, more than 3,600 are without power in Newtown and more than 2,500 in Seymour are without power, according to Eversource Energy.

More than 11,000 are without power throughout the state with many of the outages located in the southwest region, including Ridgefield which has almost 5,000 outages.

There are a bunch of smaller outages in the valley region as the storm moves through the state.

Seymour police warned residents to stay inside due to a number of downed trees and wires. Traffic lights are also out on Route 25.

Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi declared a State of Emergency due to the significant damage sustained from storm. Many roads were blocks by downed trees and wires and at one point about half of the town was without power.

Captain Michael R. Flick from the Monroe Police Department said the town experienced to numerous incidents of downed trees and power lines that closed local roads, including a power line on Moose Hill road that is energized and burning a hole through the roadway.

In NWS says there is an “enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and early evening for much of the tri-state area.”

The NWS on its Facebook page says, “ Thunderstorms are expected to develop as a cold front moves through the region. Some of the storms may become severe with damaging winds and large hail the primary threat. Heavy rainfall and frequent lightning are also possible with any storm today. Today is a great day to remain aware of rapidly changing weather conditions. Stay tuned to the latest forecasts as some uncertainty still exists. Be prepared and know a safe place to go if storms approach!”

So, what exactly is an “enhanced risk?”

The NWS has five categories of severe thunderstorm risk ranging from “marginal: with isolates severe thunderstorms possble to “high” with widespread severe storms expected.

The “enhanced” threat falls in at Number 3 with “numerous severe storms possible ... more persistent and/or widespread, a few intense.”

Nearly all of Connecticut is included in the area that has the better chance of getting severe storms.

The NWS’s Harzardous Weather Outlook says “severe thunderstorm development is possible this afternoon.” Ahead of the front there will be a gusty southwesterly flow of air that will result in a hot and humid day with temperatures climbing well into the 80s and low 90s.

To keep track of the storms throughout the day on radar, click on these link: Northeast sector.

“There is the potential for strong thunderstorms and heavy winds this afternoon,” said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch. “Our Emergency Operations Center is monitoring the storm track. We’re prepared and want our residents to be as well. Stay safe.”

The biggest threat are damaging winds and large hail. Wind gusts could be as a high as 60 to 70 mph. There is the possibility of hail that could be one inch in diameter. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornados. Expect flash flooding to occur in low-lying areas and areas with poor drainage.

Here’s the forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2 pm. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. South wind 7 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 7 p.m. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 61. West wind around 8 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.